Chapter 32

Founding Day.

From early morning, the Oakhall was a flurry of movement. The maids hurried down the halls with arms full of fabric and cosmetics, steam rising from the baths, voices lowered but urgent.

There were three ladies staying in the palace now, and preparing a noblewoman for a grand ball was always an ordeal. But when those women were a princess and a grand duchess, and the event was the Founding Day Ball—the pinnacle of the Empire’s social season—even the simplest preparations became something close to military strategy.

‘Does it even make sense for me to be among them…?’

Even as she sat in the bath, surrounded by fragrant steam and warm water laced with oils that smelled like an early autumn garden in bloom, Dianne couldn’t quiet the thought.

The maids bathed her carefully with soft brushes, their hands firm but gentle. Her hair was washed and combed until it gleamed like spun silk. It was the first time in her life she’d ever been bathed like this, and she couldn’t stop fidgeting, hugging her arms around herself awkwardly.

The maids gently but persistently straightened Dianne’s hunched shoulders as she kept trying to curl up. They dried her hair thoroughly, combed it again what felt like a hundred more times, then finally began dressing her.

Fortunately, the gown sent by the Emperor had required little alteration. The Oakhall Palace’s maids had skillfully tailored it to fit her perfectly.

The dress hugged her chest tightly and left her shoulders and arms bare, flaring out from a short waistline into a bell-shaped skirt layered with gold-embroidered fabric. A sheer lace overlay shimmered over the skirt, delicate and ethereal. Long gloves completed the ensemble, lending an air of elegance and maturity.

After being laced into multiple layers of undergarments and corsetry, Dianne stood before the maids and gave a slow spin. They gasped in delight.

“It suits you so well!”

“You’re truly beautiful, Miss Dianne!”

Cora dusted her shoulders and collarbone with pearl powder, which was part of an entire box gifted to Dianne by Grand Duchess Ervinzel, despite her protests.

A brilliant sapphire necklace graced her gleaming neck, and matching earrings peeked through her hair, which had been swept up and braided into an elaborate chignon. Cora had woven the ribbon from the Emperor through her hair, tying it into a soft bow.

With her light makeup now finished, Dianne stared at her reflection in the mirror with a strange sense of detachment. The plain governess was nowhere to be seen. In her place sat a refined young lady, as elegant as any noblewoman with a title.

Cora looked close to tears.

“I knew it. You’d be absolutely stunning once dressed up!”

“Didn’t you say I was already pretty?”

“Of course! But they do say women become even lovelier with a bit of polish.”

Dianne toyed with the necklace draped across her collarbone, her heart a tangled mess of emotions. She’d never owned jewelry before. Everything she knew about gemstones came from books. But even without an appraiser, she could tell that this was no ordinary piece. Five perfectly cut sapphires gleamed in the light, haloed by tiny diamonds. The rest was all solid gold. It had to be worth more than she could fathom.

Her fingers traced the largest sapphire absently, only to jerk away in alarm.

‘I have to return it after the banquet.’

She couldn’t afford to leave even a fingerprint or a scratch. The Emperor might be able to give away cartloads of such jewels without blinking, but for Dianne, this was a relic from a world she could never belong to.

And yet, what a bitter thing it was to already feel a sense of loss. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the thought of giving up something so valuable that stung the most.

‘It was a gift from His Majesty…’

This was the second time he’d given her something. And there likely wouldn’t be a third.

She caught herself wondering what face he’d make when she returned the necklace. That same look he wore whenever she pushed away his kindness. A mixture of discomfort and restrained frustration. She could see it perfectly in her mind.

‘It is unheard of to take back jewels given to a lady.’

He might even say something like that, his voice carrying that familiar blend of mild reproach.

Her heart fluttered. It felt inexplicable.

* * *

“Sir Reussen has arrived.”

The maid’s voice broke through Dianne’s daze, drawing her back from the mirror and the lady she no longer recognized. With Cora’s help, she rose to her feet. The gown’s voluminous skirts made sitting and standing without assistance a small battle in itself.

When Dianne stepped into the drawing room, Sir Reussen was already waiting. He, too, was dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the Imperial Guard. The deep navy suited his broad frame strikingly well.

He had been idly adjusting his gloves, but at the sound of her steps, he looked up, and visibly froze in surprise.

“You look truly stunning, Miss Ortenza.”

Dianne responded with a playful lift of her brow, affecting the air of a haughty young noblewoman.

“So I wasn’t beautiful before I dressed up?”

Sir Reussen, ever solemn, replied in his usual steady tone, “You are, without question, beautiful every day. But tonight, you shine more than ever.”

“…Doesn’t it embarrass you to say things like that?”

“I mean it. Now, shall we go? Her Highness and the Grand Duchess have already departed.”

As members of the Imperial Family, the Princess and the Grand Duchess  were entitled to carriages for the short trip to Spruce Palace, where the ball would be held. Dianne and Sir Reussen, however, were not, so they would need to walk if they wanted to arrive on time. Fortunately, Spruce Palace was relatively close to Oakhall.

Dianne linked her arm through Sir Reussen’s, and they stepped out together, accompanied by Cora and a few maids who bowed them off with warm smiles and whispered excitement.

As they walked toward Spruce Palace, Sir Reussen shared unexpected news.

“Miss Bertona Aldebaran and Miss Luisilla Maier have been placed under disciplinary supervision by the head lady-in-waiting.”

“What? Then they won’t be at the banquet?”

“That’s correct. I thought hearing it might allow you to enjoy the evening with a bit more peace of mind.”

No doubt the two noble girls had been counting the days until this ball. But strangely, Dianne didn’t feel especially vindicated. Not exactly. She had no desire to hold grudges in any form. With a soft sigh, she murmured,

“Why would the Princess go so far for this?”

Sir Reussen gave a faint, almost fond smile.

“Before what happened with Edric, Princess Elphenlira wouldn’t stand to watch anyone go against His Majesty’s will. If even one of the imperial councilors raised their voice in front of him, she’d glare at them with a terrifying expression.”

“…Well, at least we know for certain she didn’t do it to take my side.”

“Give Her Highness time. She’s always been cautious by nature.”

Dianne shivered slightly as she recalled the princess tearing down her ladies-in-waiting with only a few carefully chosen words. It was clear that regardless of her royal title, she was someone one absolutely couldn’t afford to displease.

‘Though I fear it’s already too late.’

The very fact that she was now walking toward the ballroom, arm-in-arm with Sir Reussen, seemed proof enough. All Dianne could do was hope the princess’s games ended tonight.